The staff on duty at the Engadget blog got their first look at the EV6 during a day-long press event in Northern California and experience for themselves this first vehicle that will lead the way for the new Plan S electrification strategy! Going to soon be joined by nearly a dozen other EVs by 2026, the EV6 EV6 will arrive on lots nationwide later this spring to go up against the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Volkswagen ID.4, and the very popular Tesla Model Y.
The three available trim levels are Light, Wind, and GT-line, with the Light offering an EPA-rated range of 232 miles, MacPherson struts up front, and a multi-link suspension in the rear. A full charge off a 50W DC fast charger takes just over an hour, and a quick 18 minutes to snag a 350 W station. At home, a 240V/48A connection will take under 6 hours for a full charge with the Wind and GT units offering larger 77.4 kWh packs as well as the option of having both front and rear motors. The Wind trim provides 310 miles of range with a 7.2-second 0-60, and a top speed of 117 MPH.
The Wind and GT will require 73 minutes for a full charge with the powerful 50W DC connection and 7 hours on a 240V plug. The interior was ranked as “incredibly comfortable” right away with enough head and leg space whether you’re sitting in the front or back. It also offers multiple USB and USB-C ports throughout the front and rear seating areas that allow for you to not stretch too far to plug in.
Immediately when you engage the turn signal, you can use a live rear-facing video feed from the side mirror and the useful arsenal of 21 different driver-assist features. This includes lane-keeping assist, lane departure warnings, automatic high beams, and forward collision avoidance. This testing crew was very impressed with the EV6’s Highway Driving Assist 2 which allows you to click the appropriate button on the steering wheel. This allows you to remain completely centered, keeping at the same speed and on course even during turns.
You’ll also be enjoying a 12.3-inch color TFT touchscreen navigation display unit in the center console. This provides AM/FM/Sirius radio running through a Meridian sound system, a WiFi hotspot, and Android Auto/Apple Carplay. It also comes with a secondary touchscreen that toggles between the various navigation, media, and climate menus. Other great features that stick out with the EV6 are its speed and streamlined layout. We know full well here at Jim Butler Kia that those incoming forms of massive eco-friendly models will be changing their face, speed, and stance every year from now on!
